Automatic control system



Aug. 11, 1936. MYHRE 2,050,367

AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Dec. 1, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet l WITNESSES: INVENTOR Conrad B. M hr'e.

524% Wfl Zk f Aug. 11, 1936. c, MYHRE 2,050,367

AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Dec. 1, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WITNESSES INVENTOR 5d Fig. 2, COnraaB/Wyhre.

Y M TOR-Y Patented Aug. 11, 1936 UNITED STATES AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM Conrad B. Myhre, Harvey, N. Dak., assignor to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 1, 1934, Serial No. 755,647 I 8 Claims. (01. 183-7) My invention relates, generally, toelectrical control systems and it has particular relation to automatic control systems for operating electrical precipitators and the like.

The object of my invention, generally stated, is to provide an automatic control system for electrical precipitators which shall be simple and efficient in operation and which may be readily and economically manufactured and installed.

The principal object of my invention is to provide for automatically maintaining an electrical precipitator energized at the proper operating potential.

Another important object of my invention is to provide for automatically connecting an electrical precipitator to a power source.

A further object of my invention is-to provide for connecting an additional power unit to an electrical precipitator when the pressure of the gas passing therethrough is increased beyond a predetermined value.

Another object of my invention is to provide for automatically disconnecting, in the event of a fault, a power unit from a power source and an electrical precipitator which it is arranged to maintain energized. v

Still another object of my invention is to Pro-- vide for selecting any of a plurality of power units, which are arranged to maintain an electrical precipitator in the operating condition, as the preferred unit.

Other objects of my invention will in part be in connection with the accompanying drawings,

in which Figure 1 illustrates diagrammatically a power unit connected to energize an electrical precipitator, and

Fig. 2 illustrates diagrammatically a second power unit which may also be connected to energize the precipitator shown in Figure 1.

-In a manufacturing process in which it is desired to purify a gas by means of an electrical precipitator, it is desirable to maintain the precipitator in the proper operating condition in order that the manufacturing process may be carried on with a minimum of delay and a maximum of efficiency. It is, therefore; desirable to provide for energizing the precipitator continuously 5 and, in the event of the failure of one power source, to provide for connecting an auxiliary power source to maintain the precipitator in the energized condition. a

For this purpose, according to my invention, I 10 have provided two independent power units which are arranged to rectify, by means of suitable space discharge devices, high voltage alternating current and to apply the direct current potential thus obtained to an electrical precipitator. Norl5 mally, only one of the two power units is connected to energize the precipitator and a sequence switch is provided for determining which of the power units will normally be connected to the precipitator. In the event that a fault occurs 20 in the power unit connected to energize the precipitator or in the event that the gas pressure within the precipitator increases beyond a predetermined value, the second unit will be automatically connected to also apply an energizing po- 2 tential to the precipitator.

If a fault occurs in either of the power units while it is operating, an alarm will be given to the operator and the unit in which the fault occurred will be automatically locked out. It is 30 then necessary for the operator to reset the unit before it can again be placed in service.

Referring now particularly to the drawings, it will be observed that the control system shown in Figure 2 is identical with that shown in Fig. 1, except for certain apparatus in Fig. 1 which is common to both systems. Insofar as the control systems are identical, the same reference characters have been applied to identical elements for the purposes of clarity and simplicity and to reduce the number of different reference characters to a minimum. The control system will be described with reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings and then the operation will be set forth to indicate the functioning of the portion of the control system illustrated in Fig. 2.

,An electrical precipitator, shown generally at I0, is provided through which the gas to be purified may be passed. The precipitator ill may be 0 of any of the well known types and, since its construction forms no'part of this invention, it

i has been shown only diagrammatically. As illustrated, the precipitator l0 may comprise an outer cylinder II and an inner cylinder l2, each being provided with spaced interfltting flns I 3 for increasing the surface area thereof.

When the amount of gas passing through the precipitator ll exceeds a predetermined value, it is necessary to increase the potential applied to the. cylinders II and I2 in order to obtain the proper degree of purification. Since the pressure within the precipitator I is a function of the volume of the gas passing therethrough, a pressure responsive relay, shown generally at i4, is provided having contact members l4a for completing a circuit, which will be hereinafter described, to automatically cause the second power unit, as shown in Fig. 2 for example, to be connected to the precipitator l0 when the pressure within it exceeds the value for which the pressure responsive relay I4 is set.

As illustrated, the outer cylinder ll of the precipitator Hi may be connected to ground while the inner cylinder l2 may be connected to a'high voltage direct'current bus or conductor l5 which is connected through a stabilizing resistor it to the anodes of a pair of space discharge devices II. The space discharge devices I I are connected 1 to provide full-wave rectification for alternating current obtained from a high voltage secondary winding ll of a transformer, shown generally at II, the center tap of the secondary winding 18 being grounded. The transformer I9 is provided with a low voltage primary winding 20 and a tertiary winding 2|. As illustrated, the primary winding 20 is arranged to be connected to conductors 22 and 23 which may be connected by means of a main switch 24 to a power bus comprising conductors 28 and 21. The conductors 20 and 21 may be connected to anysuitable source of alternating current which may be represented by the conductors 2B and 29.

As shown, each of the space discharge devices I1 is provided with a cathode 3| each of which is connected to a secondary winding 32 of a cathode transformer, the common primary winding 33 of which is disposed to be connected through a regulating transformer 34 to the conductors 22 and 23.

In order to disconnect the high voltage direct current bus l5 from the anodes of the space discharge devices a disconnecting switch, shown generally at 35, is provided which is disposed to be operated by means of a motor shown generally at 36. The motor 35 may be of the series type having an armature 31, a series field winding 38 and a braking field winding 39. The armature 51 is mechanically connected to the disconnecting switch 35 by means of a power transmitting mechanism that comprises a wheel 40 on which is eccentrically mounted a pin 4|. A connecting rod 42 is provided for connecting the pin 4| to the disconnecting switch 35. It will be understood that the disconnecting switch 35 is operated to the closed position on energization of the motor 3!. When the disconnecting switch 35 is closed, the motor 38 is deenergized. In order to open the disconnecting switch 35, the motor 36 is again energized to rotate in the same direction and, due to the construction of the power transmitting mechanism, the disconnecting switch 35 will be opened, as will be readily understood.

The operation of the motor 36 is controlled by means of a motor control switch, shown generally at 44, having an operating winding 45. The motor I6 is arranged to operate a motor limit switch, shown generally at 46. The motor limit switch 46 comprises contact fingers 46a through 44h and contact segments 41 through 52.

In the event that it is desired to manually control the operation of the motor 36, a manual control switch, shown generally at 54, is provided. The control switch 54 comprises contact fingers 54a, 54b, and 540 and contact bridging 5 members 55 and 56.

In order to connect the primary winding 20 of the power transformer is to be energized, a power transformer switch, shown generally at 51, is provided having an operating winding 58. The circuit for effecting the energization of the primary winding 33 of the cathode transformer and thereby the cathodes 3| of the space discharge devices l1 may be completed by means of a cathode switch, shown generally at 59, and hav- 1 ing an operating winding 60.

A master control relay, shown generally at 62, and having an operating winding 63 is provided for effecting the energization of the operating winding 60 of the cathode switch 58. The master control relay 62 is controlled by means of a knife switch 54.

In the event that a fault occurs in the operation of the system, it is desirable to automatically disconnect it from the power source and to prevent it from again being connected to the precipitator l0 until it has been inspected by the operator. For this purpose, a lookout relay shown generally at 65 andhaving an operating winding 56 is provided to effect various control functions which will be set forth hereinafter. The operating winding 66 of the lockout relay 65 is disposed to be energized on the occurrence of one or more of several different faults which may happen during the operation of the system. When the lockout relay 65 has once been energized, a springpressed pawl 61 is arranged to engage a projection 68 and thereby to hold the lockout relay 85 in the energized or closed position until the pawl 61 is manually released.

It is desirable to disconnect the system from the power source in the event that the voltage applied to the precipitator I0 should decrease below a predetermined value. Such may be the case in the event that the precipitator I0 becomes short circuited, as may occur if the deposit on the surfaces of the cylinders H and I2 and the fins I3 isallowed to accumulate, or if a large volume of conducting atmosphere is caused to pass through the precipitator H]. An undervoltage relay, shown generally at 10, and having an operating winding ll connected across the tertiary winding 2| is provided to effect the deenergization of an undervoltage auxiliary relay, shown generally at 12, and having an operating winding 13 in the event that the voltage supplied by the transformer I 9 becomes lower than a predetermined value to efiect the deenergizetion of the operating winding 58 and thereby to disconnect the primary winding 20 from the power circuit.

It will be understood that the undervoltage auxiliary relay I2 is normally disposed to be in the operated position. However, in the event that it is deenergized due to the operation of 85 the undervoltage relay 10, a circuit is completed .at contact members 120 for connecting a rectiher 14, which may be of the copper oxide type, to apply a charge to a capacitor 15 through a network of resistors shown generally at 16. In 70 the event that several short circuits occur in rapid succession, the capacitor 15 will ultimately be charged to a comparatively high value so that a grid 11 in a space discharge device 18 will then have applied thereto a sufflciently high energizing potential as to cause the space discharge device 18 to become conducting. On becoming conducting, the spacejdischarge device I8 isefvoltage. For this purpose, an overvoltage relay,

shown generally at 8|, and having an operating winding 82 connected across the tertiary winding 2| is provided. ,This relay when energized with a predetermined overvoltage will complete a circuit for effecting the energization of the operat ing winding 88 of the lockout relay 65.

In order to give an audible signal to the operator that the lockout relay 65 has been on: erated, a signal device 83, such as a horn, bell or the like, may be provided. The signal device 88 will continue to give the signal to the operator until the lookout relay 65 is returned to the deenergized condition. In order to disconnect the power unit from the power source in the event that current to the cathodes 3| of the space discharge devices il -r" fails and also to provide for a proper sequence of operation, a current responsive relay shown generally at 85 is provided having an operating winding 86 connected in series circuit relation with the primary winding 38 of the cathode transformer. 'The current responsive relay 85 is arranged to effect the energization of an operating winding 81 of an auxiliary relay, shown generally at 88. I

With a view to maintaining continuity of operation of the entire system, the second power unit shown in Fig. 2 is provided. In the operation of the system, it is, of course, desirable to have one or the other of the two powerunits preferred so that, when the precipitator i9 is operating at light loads or below a predetermined pressure, only one of the power units will be connected thereto. However, on the precipitator l0 being loaded beyond a predetermined amount, as indicated .by the pressure of the gas therein, it is desirable to have the second unit automatically connected to maintain the potential between the cylinders II and i2 of the precipitator i0 at the proper operating value. With this function in view, a transfer or sequence switch, shown generally at 90, is provided havingcontact fingers 9017. through 90:, certain of which are arranged to be bridged by contact bridging members 9| through 96. When none of the contact fingers are bridged neither of the units may be automatically operated. when the sequence switch 90 is operated to the position indicated as No. 1, the power unit illustrated in Fig.1 of the drawings will be the preferred unit and will be automatically connected to energize the precipitator I ii. In the event of a failure of this unit or the pressure in the precipitator l9 exceeding a predetermined value, the power unit shown in Fig. 2 will be automatically connected to supply the necessary operating potential to the precipitator l8. a

When the sequence switch is operated to the position indicated as No. 2, the power unit illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings will be the preferred unit and will be automatically con- Such operation is desirablelin nected to energize the precipitator l8. On the occurrence of a fault in this unit or if thepressure withinthe precipitat'or ill exceeds a predetermined value, the power unit illustratedin Fig.

. 1' of the drawings will'be automaticallyconnected to the precipitator ID. V

In describing the operation of the automatic control system, it willbe assumed that the conductors 28 and 29 are energized with a suitable alternating current potential, that the main switches 24 and knife switches 64 are closed, that the sequence switch 90 is in the No. 1 position and that all of the remaining apparatus is in the position shown in the drawings. The power unit illustrated in Fig. 10f the drawings will then be automatically operated to energize the precipitator l0, as will be set forth in detail as follows.

The application of energizing potential to the conductors 22 and 23. on closure of the main switch 24 applies an energizing potential to the operating winding 13 of the undervoltage auxiliary relay 12, so that it will immediately be energized.

The circuit for energizing theoperating'wind-- ing 13 may betraced from the energized conductor 22,.throiigh conductor, I00, contact members 51E, conductor I ill, operating winding 13, conductors I02 and I03 and resistor I04 to the energized conductor 23. At contact members 12b, the undervoltage auxiliary relay 12 completes a circuit for holding itself in even though contact members 510 are opened on a subsequent operation of the power transformer switch 51.

The closure of the knife switch 64 completes a circuit for energizing the operating winding 68 of, the master control relay 62 which extends from the energized conductor 22 through conductor I05, knife switch 64, conductor I01, operating windingfiii, contact members 65b of the lookout relay 65, conductors I08 and I 09, contact members 99c and 90d which are bridged by contact member 93 and conductors H0 and Ill to the energized conductor 23.

The operation of master control relay 62 completes a circuit for energizing the operating winding 60 of the cathode switch 59 which, at its contact members 59a, completes the energizing circuit for the regulating transformer 34 and the primary winding 33 of the cathode transformer.

The circuit for energizing operating winding 60 may be traced from theenergizedconductor 22 through conductor 5, contact fingers 46g and 46h which are bridged by contact segment 52,'co-nductor H6, operating winding 60, conductor I ll, contact members 62a. of the master control relay 62 and conductor H8 to the enerigzed contuctor 23. The cathode switch 59 at contact members 590 completes a circuit for maintaining the operating winding 69 energized when the contact segment 52 is moved out of engagement with the contact fingers 46g and 4571.

No further operation can take place until cur-, rent flow is established in the primary winding 33 of the cathode transformer. The'operating winding, 86 of the current responsive relay will then be energized and at contact members 85m an obvious energizing circuit will be completed for the operating winding8l of the auxiliary relay 88. The operation of the auxiliary relay 88 will complete, at contact members 88a, a circuit for energizing the operating winding 45 of the motor control switch 44. Its operation will also open the contact members 880, thereby opening a possible energizing circuit for the operating winding 66 of the lookout relay 65.

The circuit for energizing the operating winding 45 may be traced from the energized conductor 22 through conductor I20, contact members 51b of the power transformer switch 51, conductor I2I, contact members 880,, conductor I22, contact fingers 46b and 46a. bridged by the contact segment 41, conductor I23, operating winding 45 and conductor I24 to the energized conductor 23.

At contact members 44a, the braking circuit of the motor 36 will be opened and at contact members 44b an obvious energizing circuit will be completed for the motor 36.

When the motor 36 is energized, the wheel 40 will be rotated to move the pin M and thereby the connecting rod 42 to close the disconnecting switch 35. At the same time, motor limit switch 46 is also operated to remove the contact segment 41 from engagement with the contact finger 46b. However, during the transition period, the circuit for energizing the operating winding 45 of the motor control switch 44 is maintained by means of the contact segment 49 which engages the contact 46d and through contact members 440 completes an obvious energizing circuit for the operating winding 45. When thedisconnecting switch 35 is in the closed position, the motor limit switch 45 will also be in the indicated closed position and the energizing circuit for the operating winding 45 of the motor control switch 44 will be opened and consequently the operating winding 45 will be deenergized.

In the closed position, the motor limit switch 46 will complete a circuit for effecting the energization of the operating winding 58 of the power transformer switch 51. This circuit, however, has been prevented from being completed previously by means of contact members 621) on the master control relay 62. It will be observed that contact members 62b are connected to the main operating stem of the master control relay 62 through a spring I26 and that a dashpot I21 is provided for preventing the closure of the contact members 621) simultaneously with the operation of the master control relay 62... The time delay provided by the dashpot I21 prevents the closure of the power transformer switch 51 to apply ionizing potential to the anodes and cathodes of the space discharge devices I'I until the cathodes 3| have become heated to the proper operating temperature.

The circuit for energizing the operating winding 58 may be traced from the energized conductor 22 through conductor I 29, operating winding 58, conductor I30, contact fingers 46c and 461' bridged by the contact segment 5I, conductor I3I, contact members 12a, conductor I32, contact members 88b, conductor I33, contact members 62b and conductor I34 to the energized conductor 23.

The operation of the power transformer switch 51 completes, at contact members 51a, an obvious energizing circuit for the primary winding 20 of the power transformer I9. In addition, contact members 51b are opened, thereby preventing the energization of the operating winding 45 of the motor control switch 44 and the subsequent operation of the motor 35 to open the disconnecting switch 35 as long as the power transformer switch 51 remains in the operated position.

It will also be observed that contact members 51d will be closed a certain time after the operation of the power transformer switch 51 to complete a circuit for shunting the operating winding I3 of the undervoltage auxiliary relay I2 when this circuit is completed by the deenergization of the operating winding II of the undervoltage relay III. This time delay may be accomplished in the manner described hereinbefore by means of a spring I36 interposed between the contact members 51d and the main stem of the power transformer switch 51, together with a dashpot I38. The direct current operating potential will now be applied to the high voltage direct current bus I5 and across the cylinders I2 and II of the precipitator III.

In the event that the pressure within the precipitator I0 exceeds a predetermined value during normal operation, the contact members Me of the pressure responsive relay I4 will be closed to complete a circuit for initiating the automatic functioning of the second power unit shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. On the closure of contact members I4a, the operating winding 63, of the master control relay 62 of the unit shown in Fig. 2, will be energized to initiate a sequence of operation in this unit which is identical to that described hereinbefore in connection with the operation of the power unit illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. For this reason only the circuit for effecting the energization of operating winding 83 will be traced.

The circuit for energizing the operating winding 63 for the unit shown in Fig. 2 may be traced from the energized conductor 23 of this figure through conductors I40 and MI, contact members g and 90h which are bridged by the contact member 95, conductor I42, contact members I4a, conductors I43 and I44, contact fingers 90a and 90b bridged by contact member 9|, conductors I45 and I46, contact members 6512, operating winding 63, conductor I4'I, knife switch 64 and conductor I48 to the energized conductor 22.

In the event that the pressure within the precipitator ID decreases below a value sufficient to maintain the contact members I4a closed, the previously traced energizing circuit for the operating winding 63 will be opened and the second unit will be automatically disconnected from the power source. The sequence of operations for disconnecting the unit under these circumstances will be the same as for disconnecting the unit shown in Fig. 1, which sequence of operation will be set forth in detail hereinafter.

If the voltage applied by the tertiary winding 2I to the operating winding 'II of the undervoltage relay It! decreases below a predetermined value, the operating winding I3 of the undervoltage auxiliary relay ?2 will beshunted and the energizing circuit for the operating winding 58 of the power transformer switch 51 will be opened at contact member 12a. As a result of the deenergization of the operating winding 58, contact members 51d will be opened to open the shunting circuit around the operating winding I3. Contact members 5'Ia will be opened and the primary winding 20 will be deenergized. Contact members 510 will be closed and operating winding I3 will again be energized over the circuit described hereinbefore. Contact members 12a will be again bridged and the operating winding 58 of the power transformer switch 51 will be energized to again effect the energization of the primary winding 20.

Referring again to Fig. 1 of the drawings, it will be remembered that the lockout relay 65 may be operated'to open, at contact members 85b, the energizing circuit for the operating winding 88 of the master control relay 62 on the occurrence of one or more different faults in the system. On the occurrence of any. of the faults for which provision has been made, the lockout relay 65 will be operated and will complete a circuit for initiating the automatic functioning of the other unit.

Thus, if the operating winding ll of the undervoltage relay i0 is deenergizedfor a sufficient number of times to cause the operating winding '18 of the undervoltage auxiliary relay I2 to be deenergized thereby charging the capacitor I5 to such a value that the space discharge device 18 is rendered conducting, then the operating winding 18 of the relay 88 will be energized to com,- 1

plate at contact members 88a, an obvious energizing circuit for the operating winding 66 of the lookout relay 65. I

In the event that the voltage applied to the system becomes excessive, as determined by the overvoltage relay 8 I, its contact members 8 la will be closed to also complete an obvious energizing circuit for the operating winding 66 of the lockout relay 65. I

If, for some reason, current ceases to flow to the primary winding 88 of the cathode transformer, the operating winding 86 of the current responsive relay 85 will be deenergized. The operating winding 81 of the auxiliary relay 88 will then become deenergized and contact members 880 will be closed. Due to the fact that contact members 52b of the master control relay 62 are closed, an obvious energizing circuit will be completed for the operating winding 66 of the lockout relay 55.

Assuming that one or more of the foregoing faults has occurred and that the operating winding 66 of the lookout relay 85 has been energized, a circuit will be completed thereby at contact members 650 for effecting the energization of the operating winding 68 of the master control relay 62 of the second unit.

This circuit may be traced from the energized conductor 28 of the second unit through conductor I55, contact members 650, conductor I46, contact members 65b, operating winding 68, conductor I41, switch 54 and conductor I48 to the energized conductor 22. The second unit will then be automatically placed in operation as set forth hereinbefore.

The energization of operating winding 66 and the subsequent operation of the lockout relay 65 opens, at contact members 65b, the circuit for energizing the operating winding 88 of the master control relay 62. At the same time the lockout relay 65 is held in the operated position by means of the pawl 81 and also the operating winding 66 is connected directly to the energized conductor 28 by means of the contact members 55c. Before the lockout relay 65 can be restored to the normal position, it, is necessary that the main switch 24 be opened to deenergize the conductors 22 and 28, thereby permitting the operating winding 66 to be deenergized. It is also necessary for tne operator to depress the pawl 51 to remove it from engagement with the underside of the projection 68, as will be readily understood.

As soon as the operating winding 58 of the master control relay 82 is deenergized, the energizing circuit for the operating winding 58 of the cathode switch 58 is deenergized and the cathodes 8| of the space discharge devices I! are deenergized.

When the master control relay 42 is operated to the open position, contact members 62b are also opened to open the energizing circuit for the operating winding 58 of the power transformer switch 51. This switch is then opened to disconnect the primary winding 20 of the transformer 18 I from the energizing circuit.

0n the cessation of flow of current through the primary winding 88 of the cathode transformer, the operating winding 86 of the current responsive relay 85 is deenergized and at contact 80 members 85a, the energizing circuit for the operating winding 81 of the auxiliary 88 is opened. The operation of the auxiliary relay 88 opens, at contact members 88b, the energizing circuit for the primary winding 58 for the power transformer 15 switch 51.

When the operating windings 58 and 68 of the switches 51 and 58, respectively, are deenergized a circuit is completed for again energizing the operating winding 45 of the motor control switch 80 44, thereby again effecting energization of the motor 88 to operate the disconnecting switch 85 tothe open position.

The circuit for energizing the operating winding 45 of the motor control Ewitch 44 may be 2 traced from the energized con uctor 22 through conductor l 28, contactmembers 51b, conductor I2 I, contact members 541: and 54b bridged by segment 55, conductor I52, contact finger 46c, contact segments 48 and 41, conductor I28, operating winding 45 and conductor I24 to the energized conductor 28.

The circuit just traced for energizing the op erating winding 45 will be maintained by means of the contact segment 58 during the transition period from the closed position of the disconnecting switch 85 to the open position thereof. This circuit will be completed through contact members 440 as set forth hereinbefore." When the motor 86 has operated the disconnecting switch 85 to the full open position, the energizing circuit for the operating winding will be openedat contact segment and the motor control switch 44 will be in the non-operated position. In this position the motor control switch 44 completes 45 at contact members 44a, a dynamic braking circuit for the motor 86, so that it will be stopped substantially instantaneously as soon as power is removed therefrom.

When the lockout relayis operated, an obvious energizing circuit is completed by its contact members a to connect the sound device 88 to the energized conductors 25 and 21. It will be understood that this device will continue in operation until the lockout relay 65 has been released by the operation of the pawl 81 and the opening of the main switch 24.

.In the event that-the preferred unit is locked out of operation and the second unit is automatically connected'to energize the precipitator ll, 80 it is desirable that the operator move the sequence switch 88 to the No. 2 position, so that the second power unit will be the preferred unit. The operator then may reset the lockout relay 55 0f the first unit, and it will then be ready for a subsequent automatic operation in the event that a fault occurs in the second unit or the pressure in the precipitator l0 exceeds the predetermined value.

In the event that the power unit shown in Fig. 2 is connected by the sequence switch 88 to be the preferred unit, it will be understood that the power unit shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings will be automatically connected to the precipitator II in 1' the manner described hereinbefore. Since this operation will be identical with that described hereinbefore when the sequence switch 90 is in the No. 1 position, it has been deemed unnecessary to set forth a detailed description of the sequence of operation.

Since certain further changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative andnot in a limiting sense.

I claim as my invention:

1. A power system for applying energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a transformer having a low voltage primary winding and a high voltage secondary winding, a pair of space discharge devices each having an anode and a cathode, thecathodes being connected to the secondary winding for the application of ionizing potential, a disconnecting switch for connecting the anodes to the precipitator, a motor for operating said disconnecting switch, a cathode switch for connecting the cathodes t0 said source of alternating current for heating them to operating potential, a power switch for connecting the primary winding of said transformer to said source of alternating current, and a lock-out relay disposed to be energized on the occurrence of a fault in the system for automatically effecting the opening of said disconnecting switch, cathode switch and power switch.

2. A power system for applying energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a transformer having a low voltage primary winding and a high voltage secondary winding, a pair of space discharge devices each having an anode and a cathode, the cathodes being connected to the secondary winding for the application of ionizing potential, a cathode switch for connecting the cathodes to said source of alternating current for heating them to operating potential, a disconnecting switch for connecting the anodes to the precipitator, a motor for operating said disconnecting switch, relay means responsive to the flow of cathode heating current for connecting said motor for energization to said source of' alternating current, a power switch for connecting the primary winding of said transformer to said source of alternating current, an operating winding for said power switch, circuit means operative on closure of said disconnecting switch for connecting said operating winding for energization to said source of alternating current, and a lock-out relay disposed to be energized on the occurrence of a fault in the system for automatically effecting the opening of said cathode switch, disconnecting switch and power switch.

3. A power system for applying an energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a plurality of rectifying units forconverting the alternating current into direct current for energizing the precipitator, relay means for sequentially initiating the functioning of said units, and manually-operable switchmeans disposed to determine the sequence in which the functioning of said units is initiated.

4. A power system for applying an energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a plurality of rectifying units for converting the alternating current into direct current for energizing the precipitator, means operable to select one of said units as the preferred unit, means for initiating the functioning of another of said units on the occurrence of a fault in the preferred unit.

5. A power system for applying an energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a plurality of rectifying units for converting the al-- ternating current into direct current for energizing the precipitator, means operable to select one of said units as the preferred unit, and means responsive to a predetermined load on the precipitator for initiating the functioning of another of said units to operate in parallel with the preferred unit.

6. A power system for applying an energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a plurality of rectifying units for converting the alternating current into direct current for energizing. the precipitator, means for preferring the operation of one of said units, means responsive to a predetermined load on the precipitator for initiating the functioning of another of said units to operate in parallel with the preferred unit, and means responsive to the reduction of the load on the precipitator below said predetermined load for discontinuing the operation of said additional unit.

7. A power system for applying an energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a plurality of rectifying units for converting the alternating current into direct current for energizing the precipitator, means for automatically initiating the functioning of one of said units to energize the precipitator, pressure means disposed to be responsive to the pressure within the precipitator, and means responsive to the operation of said pressure means for automatically initiating the functioning of another of said units when the pressure within the precipitator exceeds a predetermined value.

8. A power system for applying an energizing potential to an electrical precipitator comprising, in combination, a source of alternating current, a plurality of rectifying units for converting the alternating current into direct current for energizing the precipitator, means for preferring the operation of one of said units, means for automatically initiating the functioning of the preferred unit to energize the precipitator, pressure means disposed to be responsive to the pressure within the precipitator,means operable by said pressure means for automatically initiating the functioning of another of said units when the pressure within the precipitator exceeds a predetermined value, and means responsive to the occurrence of a fault in said preferred unit for automatically discontinuing the operation thereof and for automatically initiating the functioning of said other unit.

CONRAD B. MYHRE. 

